Рецепт Traditional Refried Beans: Review of Dos Caminos Mexican Street Food
Perfect traditional refried beans–just like you would get in a Mexican restaurant!. Affiliate links were used in this post. A copy of Dos Caminos Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home
was sent to me by the publishers for purposes of an honest review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are my own.
Finally! You would not believe how hard of a time I have had sitting down and getting this post to you! First, on Wednesday, when I hoped to post it, we lost power for pretty much the entire chunk of my writing hours–i.e., late at night. Then Thursday I was at Costco all day, and when I returned home I discovered Finnegan had found one of my Costco-sized (1.75 lbs) jars of I Love Peanut Butter”s Dark Chocolate Dreams. That stuff is awesome–no dumb dog, he– but it is awesome because of how much chocolate is in it. So off we went to the vet, for induced vomiting, charcoal, the whole nine yards. By the time I got home I was whupped. And then I was gone again all day today. Ack! So, finally, these amazing refried beans…
As I mentioned before, I wanted refried beans to serve with the chilaquiles I made the other night. I very purposefully went looking for a recipe that would remind me of the traditional beans we are served in our favorite Mexican restaurants, because I knew that was what Sammy would expect (Alex was not home). I had just received Ivy Stark’s Dos Caminos Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home
from the publisher, after enjoying Dos Caminos Tacos: 100 Recipes for Everyone’s Favorite Mexican Street Food so much. So I thought I might find something there.
Success! Her refried beans start with dried beans, which I heartily approve of, and use avocado leaves and bacon for extra flavor. I used my own recipe for cooking the dried beans (and I used heirloom beans for that matter) with lard, onion and garlic. And I made the unfortunately necessary substitution of anise seeds (just a few) and bay leaves for the unavailable avocado leaves and feta for cotija cheese. I also drizzled my beans with Mexican crema. The recipe was perfect. Sammy especially went crazy–so crazy that, as I mentioned before, she more or less refused to even try the chilaquiles, instead eating refried beans the whole night!
And as for the book itself, it is a winner. The assortment of dishes is wonderfully varied, reminding us that in other countries street food does not mean only meats cooked on a grill, or even just the taco fillings of the ever increasing (delightfully so) taco trucks in this country. Street food could be a stew, a meat that has braised the entire night before, popsicles, corn, drinks…. of course it is the braises and stews that I am most attracted to, and will return to as the weather grows colder, but there is something for everyone.
My Refried Beans (Mi Frijoles Refritos) Recipe shared by permission of Skyhorse Publishing. From the author: Lots of people have a favorite refried bean recipe, but I think my Dos Caminos version is special because we use avocado leaves and bacon, which adds a smoky flavor. They’re definitely better than what comes out of a can. When we were very young children, one of the first foods my parents ordered for my sister and me were black bean tacos in a small storefront Mexican restaurant in Denver, where we ate weekly. They are a simple, approachable food for any age. Author: Ivy Stark Cuisine: Mexican Ingredients
1 pound dry black or pinto beans 2 avocado leaves (“Resources” chapter [has suggestions of places to buy]) 2 slices bacon, cut crosswise into ½ -inch strips 1 small white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 jalapenos, seeds and membranes removed if desired, minced ½ cup lard Juice of 1 lime Salt Crumbled Cotija cheese, to garnish (optional) Instructions
Rinse the beans and soak overnight in a large pot of cold water. (If you don’t have time to soak overnight, put the beans into a pot of water to cover by at least 2 inches and bring to a boil; turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.) The following day, bring the pot of beans to a boil, add the avocado leaves, turn the heat down, and simmer until tender, 2 to 3 hours. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until golden brown; add the onion and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and jalapeños and cook for about 3 minutes, adding a little lard or bacon fat, if necessary, to keep the beans from sticking. Drain the beans; reserve the cooking liquid. Scrape the onion mixture into the container of a food processor along with about 2 cups of the cooked beans and puree. Combine the puree with the remaining the beans. In a large, heavy casserole, melt the lard over medium-high heat; add the beans and fry for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt. If the mixture seems dry, add some leftover bean water until you reach the desired consistency. Serve topped with crumbled Cotija cheese, if desired. 3.2.2807